A Chapter of the Medical Library Association

As a hospital librarian, I have an inherent curiosity to see how other hospital libraries are set up to meet the needs of their community. So naturally, I had been looking forward to the NLM Exhibition Tour at the Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Library.

I had the pleasure of meeting recently rejoined MLGSCA member and Woodland Hills Library Director, David Keddle. Also, it’s been a long while since I had seen Judy Kraemer in person, so it was great to catch up with her as well. David was such a gracious host; he offered coffee to anyone who visited the library, he gave us a grand tour of the facilities, showed us the KP Libraries website, and answered our many questions. Of course, all of this happened while visitors continued to come through the library to perform a variety of things. For instance, he assisted a staff member who was looking for a book to study for the CEN Exam. It was the sort of request we are also accustomed to getting at my hospital library.

The NLM Traveling Exhibit, “Harry Potter and the World of Medicine” was such an amusing exhibit to have in the Medical Office Building where the library is located. I was surprised to learn it took two years to get the exhibit due to the extensive waitlist! After the library visit, we continued our conversation at the BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery which was a close drive from the hospital. I have to say, for the small price I had to pay for food, drink, and gas (I drive a hybrid thankfully), the time I spent with these other librarians was invaluable, and it was such a wonderful learning experience to see David in action! – Sunny McGowan

What a great opportunity to see a NLM Traveling Exhibit AND see another MLGSCA library AND meet and get to know other MLGSCA members! Thank you to David Keddle for hosting our MLGSCA gathering and to Sunny McGowan for coordinating the event.

I truly loved seeing the exhibit, meeting David, seeing his Kaiser Woodland Hills library, and catching up with Sunny in person! In addition to enjoying time at the library, we had a good time at Happy Hour at BJ's Brewery. I look forward to meeting up with more MLGSCA members at a date/time within the next six weeks to be determined at the Anaheim Public Library which I learned is the next stop on this NLM exhibit's tour! So, if you missed Woodland Hills, stay tuned for another MLGSCA Meet Up invitation for an Anaheim gathering! - Judy Kraemer